Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions, as well as information on SIZING and our policy RETURNS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will I receive my regalia?
Your regalia, when in stock, will leave our premises within 7 to 10 business days, and should arrive in another two days (if you choose the 2-day shipping option) or as determined by UPS Ground service.
Q. How can I make sure to receive my regalia by a certain date?
Please email us if you need the regalia in a hurry.
Q. What do you mean by "quantities are limited?"
We keep our costs down by scheduling production runs near the time of graduation. This limits the number of gowns we can produce and sell each year.
Q. How do I wear the hood?
|
The hood is worn behind the shoulders and back, with the hood's velvet portion under the chin, making the colorful side visible. |
|
Q. Which way is the cap or tassle worn? Is the tassle turned during the ceremony?
The doctoral tassle is not turned. It is worn to the left throughout the ceremony.
Q. How is it that the Stanford gown does not have a zipper?
|
The Stanford gown has an open front according to the school's official design. However, many graduates find the fully open front to be impractical. To remedy this, we have added a small black string to our gowns that may be used to hook the two sides of the gown together. This helps keep the gown in place while the front remains open. |
|
Q. How much are the shipping and handling charges?
| Item |
2-Day Shipping |
UPS Ground |
| Full Regalia |
$30.00 |
$20.00 |
| Gown |
$30.00 | $20.00 |
| Hood |
$20.00 | $12.00 |
| Cap |
$15.00 | $7.00 |
International shipping costs $50.00.
The above shipping and handling
charges apply to each gown in group orders.
Q. Is Sales Tax charged?
Items shipped within California must be charged 9.75% sales tax.
Q. What is the difference between the silk and the gold bullion tassels?
|
First the similarities: The silk and gold bullion tassels are identically shaped (you can see the bulbous shape in the pictures), and both are produced from fine material. The gold bullion tassel has greater shine and is hand-made, therefore it is more expensive. The choice of which tassel to select is a personal preference. Some prefer the silk, some like the metallic gold bullion. Silk tassel comes standard on all caps. Gold bullion upgrades are $20 per cap. |
|
Q: Can we use personal checks or a money order?
Yes. Please email info@capgown.com to make arrangements.
Q: Can we have individual items in the group orders be sent to different addresses?
In principle, there is no reason not. In practice, it is difficult to do because our current e-commerce software doesn't allow multiple addresses per order and handling these transactions off-line is cumbersome.
Sizing
California System of Higher Edution (UC) and MIT Gowns
Gowns are available in five standard unisex sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL).
The main determinant of gown fit is its length. Gown sizes are therefore
primarily identified by the wearer's height.
The chart below shows correspondence between gown size and person's height (including shoes). Someone measuring 5'5" wearing an M-sized gown can expect about 8" clearance between the bottom of the gown and the ground.
| Gown Size | Your Height (with Shoes) |
| S | (5'1"-5'4") |
| M | (5'4"-5'6") |
| L | (5'6"-5'9") |
| XL | (5'9"-6'0") |
| XXL | (6'0-6'3") |
Most heights are compatible with two sizes. For example, someone measuring 5'6" has a choice between size M and size L. The decision between the two is made based on shoulder width. A good rule of thumb would be for a female measuring 5'6" to choose size M; and a male measuring 5'6" to choose size L. (Height measurements include shoes.)
Stanford University Gowns
The Stanford gown has an open front and is available in four standard unisex sizes (S, M, L, XL). The main determinant of gown fit is its length. Gown sizes are therefore primarily identified by the wearer's height.
The chart below shows correspondence between gown size and person's height (including shoes). Someone measuring 5'5" wearing an M-sized gown can expect about 8" clearance between the bottom of the gown and the ground.
| Gown Size | Your Height (with Shoes) |
| S | (5'0"-5'4") |
| M | (5'4"-5'7") |
| L | (5'7"-5'10") |
| XL | (5'10"-6'2") |
Most
heights are compatible with two sizes. For example, someone measuring 5'7" has a
choice
between size M and size L. The decision between the two is made based
on
shoulder width. A good rule of thumb would be for a female measuring 5'6" to choose size M; and a male measuring 5'6" to choose size L. (Height measurements include shoes.)
Stanford Hood Colors
In addition to the blue hood trim that signfies the acheivement of a PhD (Philosophy Doctorate), Stanford gowns and hoods have another set of trims based on the field of study. The table below shows the trim colors and corresponding degree fields.
| Trim Color | Field of Study |
| White | Humanities, Arts, Sociology |
| Golden Yellow | Science, Mathematics |
| Gold | Psychology |
| Orange | Engineering |
| Dark blue | Philosophy, Political Science |
| Light Blue | Education |
| Brown | Fine Arts |
| Copper | Economics |
| Drab | Business |
Caps
Our velvet eight-sided tams are adjustable and come in two sizes. The chart below shows corresponding cap sizes and head circumferences. To measure your head circumference, use a tape measure to find the width the widest part of your head, just above the ears and eyebrows.
| Cap Size | Standard Hat Size | Head Circumference |
| S | 6-3/4 to 7-1/4 | 21.5" - 23" |
| L | 7-3/8 to 7-3/4 | 23" - 24.5" |
Hoods
All hoods are 4 feet long per regulation.
Returns
Your order comes with a "Satisfaction Guaranteed" return policy. You may return any item, for a full refund, provided it is returned within a week after receipt or no less than two days before your school's graduation date, whichever comes first. The date of refund is established by postmark. California system students must send a copy of their school ID so that their campus graduation ceremony date can be established.
Customers are responsible for all shipping charges, except for size
and defect exchanges. For defect exchanges, Ceremonial Attire will pay for
the return as well as for shipping the new regalia. For size exchanges, Ceremonial Attire will pay for
shipping the new regalia but customer is responsible for shipping to Ceremonial Attire.
If your original purchase received a multiple-unit discount, the discount may
be
rescinded if the return were to bring the purchase count below the
required
number for discount pricing.
For returns, please first contact info@capgown.com and then send the items to:
Ceremonial Attire, Inc.
327 N. Sweetzer Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90048